Help Silas Beat Cancer #SilasSTRONG

Our lives as a family changed drastically on Tuesday July 17, 2018. Three year old Silas Dejarnette was taken to the hospital by his father, Kenneth Dejarnette. Silas was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on one of his kidneys. Neuroblastoma develops from nerve cells in the fetus called neuroblasts. As a fetus matures, the neuroblasts develop normally but sometimes they are abnormal, and turn out to be cancerous . Most children with neuroblastoma are diagnosed before age five, and it occurs more commonly in boys than girls. Each year more than eight hundred cases are diagnosed in the United States. This accounts for seven to ten percent of all childhood cancers. 

Just when we thought we had gotten the worst news we could imagine, the doctors came back with news that the cancer had metastasized.To be so young and not even have experienced life, yet hit with a diagnosis like this is truly disheartening. We as a family trust and believe in God, as a miracle worker. For we know that he is not only a way maker, but the ultimate doctor. 

It was the decision of Silas’ parents after consideration and advice from pediatric oncology specialists to proceed with chemotherapy. Our main goal is to give Silas the chance of survival, and a opportunity to live a long life. Since this diagnosis, Silas has continuously been in and out of the hospital receiving antibiotics, fluids for hydration, and chemotherapy. His parents have been by his side, and making that sacrifice have missed work to attend treatments. 

For those of you who don’t know Silas personally let me tell you some things about him. Silas is a bright and bubbly three year old fraternal twin to his brother Izaak. Silas, although only three is so full of life. He is smart, courageous, affectionate, adventurous, loving, and spiritual even at a young age. He is always smiling. His birthday is September 19, and he loves the color green. His favorite number is the number 1 and his favorite meal is meatloaf and potatoes. He loves to play sports especially soccer, basketball, baseball, and football. Silas will be four years old this coming September 2018. He would of started preschool this coming school year until this diagnosis. Unfortunately he will not attend preschool in order to continue chemotherapy, and finish out the duration of his treatments. 

Silas has faced his first few treatments of chemotherapy and endured them like a young and courageous fighter! He will need more chemotherapy, possibly radiation to the primary tumor, and potential surgery. We ask that you find it in your hearts to donate in order to help with medical expenses, but more importantly to continue the battle. All donations will be contributed to his medical expenses, and resources needed to help beat this diagnosis. #SilasSTRONG